Audi puts the TT on a strict diet - loses 300kg in the process

Besides the TT based concept, the legendary Sport quattro S1, the very latest RS models and thoroughbred race cars were also at the annual enthusiast focused show - including the tough Audi R18 e-tron quattro, which was the first hybrid car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2012.

The Audi TT ultra quattro concept combines a lean 1,111kg heavy car with a 2.0-litre TFSI engine, whose 310bhp and 400Nm effortlessly catapults the coupe to a 100km/h in a brisk 4.2 seconds. Its power-to-weight ratio of 3.6kg/bhp is on par with thoroughbred super sports cars. 

The engineers fine-tuned the Audi Space Frame (ASF) from the current TT generation to come up with the body for the Worthersee bound concept - in the process shedding 43kg from the body structure. Together with the optimised detachable body parts, the result is a stunning weight savings of 100kg.

Audi has adopted an intelligent mix of materials, as per its motto of - the right amount of the right material in the right place. The Audi TT ultra quattro concept uses carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) in the rear end, the center tunnel, in the B-pillars and in the roof. Magnesium components in the floor and as hinge reinforcement reduce weight even further.

Despite the motive to loose as much weight as possible - the cabin does not lack amenities of a standard production car with air conditioning, electric window controls and an electromechanical parking brake provided as standard on the Audi TT ultra quattro concept. Having said so, the side mirrors are replaced with cameras which transfer the images directly into the cockpit.

The Audi showcar demonstrates the technical possibilities of an intelligent mix of materials. In this way considerable weight savings can even be achieved on an existing series-production model. Usage of these technologies is conceivable for future small-batch series.